Identifying Features of a Map

Today, Crew Hamill began their first lesson for Case Study 2 – Geography. We became geographers by looking in detail at maps, identifying what they are, why they are used and what they help with. We also looked in detail at the different symbols that can be found on a map and what they mean. We worked in pairs to match up the symbols to their meaning. Once we had more of an understanding on this, we worked in pairs to identify the symbols on a map of our local area, identifying schools, buildings, dual carriageways, water, railways and more.

The water cycle!

In expedition, we investigate how water travels around the world. We found out that the continuous movement of water around the Earth is called the water cycle. The four main stages of the water cycle are: evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection. We set up an experiment to see how the water cycle works. We cant wait to see if evaporation and condensation happens!

UK rivers!

In expedition, we have used maps and digital technologies to find rivers and canals in the UK. We found several rivers and canals that flow through Doncaster such as River Don, River Torne, River Went, New Junction Canal and Stainforth and Keadby Canal. We then used the maps and iPads to label the rivers in the UK. To consolidate our learning over the last few lessons, we completed a Kahoot quiz.

Uses of rivers

Today, we looked at the different ways in which we use rivers. We first started by exploring the rivers and canals that flow through Doncaster. This included the River Don, Stainforth and Keadby and New Junction Canals. We recognised a couple of the photos which were taken in Doncaster. Then we looked at the uses of rivers and canals. We found that we can use rivers for transportation, leisure, irrigation, hydroelectric power, drinking water, habitats and ecosystems, and fishing. We then matched the use to the impact that it can have on the environment. Some of them had both positive and negative impacts on the environment. For example, people who use rivers for leisure activities such as kayaking and canoeing are improving their physical and mental health but they could pollute the waters and destroy habitats.

Exciting earthquakes!

In our lesson, we used our prior knowledge about tectonic plates and began to deepen our thinking around what they could cause. We discussed how the movement of tectonic plates can cause earthquakes. There are three different tectonic plate boundaries where earthquakes occur: convergent, divergent and conservative. We then demonstrated our newfound knowledge in an experiment. We used crackers and cream to show how the tectonic plates move at the different boundaries. At the divergent plate boundary, the tectonic plates move apart. At a convergent plate boundary, the plates move together and the denser oceanic plate subducts under the lighter continental plate. Finally, at a conservative plate boundary, tectonic plates slide past each other. Friction happens and pressure builds up which is released as an earthquake. We showed these using the crackers and cream!

What is the crust made of?

In our second Hook week lesson, we explored what the crust of the earth is made up of. We learned that the crust is made of 5 different layers which are called the organic material, topsoil, subsoil, parent material and bedrock. Children matched each layer to their description after we’d watched some videos to help us understand about what each of the layers were made of.

Magnificent Magna

On Tuesday, we were able to explore science at Magna. This was extremely interactive and allowed children to experience lots of new things. We completed a workshop where we could investigate different types of rocks before creating a volcanic eruption. Then we built up the volcano using play dough which helped us understand the different layers. When we had finished, we took a sample just like a scientist so we could see how scientists study volcanoes and how they know how many times they’ve erupted. There was lots of walking so lots of tired legs when we returned to the coach. A great trip out to help us learn.